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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
MAY 12, 2005
ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, Chair; Lee Levey; Geraldine D’Amato; Mary Mann; Grace
Vetter; Charles McMullen; Stan Siegel; Mary Pugh (7:05); Jannie Williams (7:10).
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Frank Ferro; Dave Hepworth.
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by the Chair.
MINUTES OF APRIL 14TH, 2005
The following correction was made: On page 1, under “Announcements”, “Mrs. Andreoli” was corrected to “Mrs. D’Amato”.
** MR. MCMULLEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MR. LEVEY SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Kozerowitz noted that Mr. Levey had to leave tonight’s meeting at 8 p.m.
CHAIRPERSON’S REMARKS
The Chair invited everyone to a Thank You Reception for the people who worked on the Festival of Words. This reception will be held on June 2nd from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Chair thanked everyone who helped at the Friends’ Book Sale. They are looking for volunteers to sort books throughout the year.
At 7:05 p.m., Ms. Pugh arrived at the meeting.
The Chair said she had received calls from two people from the LWV who saw the PSA on Cablevision 12.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no public comment.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
** MRS. D’AMATO MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ADD “PROPOSED HOLIDAY CLOSINGS”
TO THE AGENDA UNDER “NEW BUSINESS”.
** MRS. VETTER SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that a letter had come from AARP thanking the library for allowing them to use the site to provide tax assistance. They hope they will be able to do the same next year and they hope to be able to provide bilingual assistance as well.
Mr. Ferro spoke about the Volunteer Recognition Reception he attended that was sponsored by VAC. He had recommended Ralph Bloom, who received an award. It was a very nice affair. The Friends are currently raising almost $20,000 per year, which comes to the library.
At 7:10 p.m., Jannie Williams arrived at the meeting.
Mr. Kozerowitz said they received a grant of $500 through the Fairfield County Community Foundation. Judy Rivas, Head of Reference Services, suggested this grant be used for family programming for Spanish Heritage Month.
On May 22nd, they will have a memorial dedication for Maddie Soffer, a staff member who passed away a months ago. Friends have donated for an adult and children’s rocking chair. In addition, staff planted a Japanese maple tree on the north side of the building and will install a plaque.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that the Friends work extraordinarily hard, so he nominated them to the Statewide Friends of Connecticut Libraries for the Focus Project award for their work in donating $25,000 toward the South Norwalk Branch renovation. They did not win the award but he will nominate them again next year.
Mr. Kozerowitz said they are considering, for the next fiscal year, investing in downloadable audio books. This can be used with an MP3 player (other than an IPOD). He is looking into whether this would be worth investing in at this time. Ms. Pugh suggested they include an on-line survey, and she volunteered to help. She also asked the cost of this service. Mr. Kozerowitz said that the cost is $7,000 for the first year (discounted rate). There will be a drawing for an MP3 player to entice people to complete the survey. Ms. Pugh noted that the books could probably also be listened to from the computer; Mr. Kozerowitz said that could be done. Ms. Pugh suggested putting a note in the paper regarding the survey and telling people when they check out books. She would be happy to program the survey on the computer.
NEW BUSINESS
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
Mr. Kozerowitz reviewed his proposal, recommending closing on the Saturdays before Christmas and New Year.
** MR. LEVEY MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE AS RECOMMENDED.
** MS. MANN SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH TWO VOTES IN OPPOSITION (MS. PUGH, MRS. VETTER).
OLD BUSINESS
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Siegel said that the Hour will provide $5,000 worth of free advertising at a not-for-profit rate. He will meet with the advertising director next Thursday and work out a schedule. He did not think they should advertise until the summer is over, around Labor Day.
Mr. Siegel said that he and Mr. Kozerowitz met with Brian Griffith, VP of the Chamber of Commerce, and he promised to help with their most difficult and highly potential donors and Crown Theaters and the Garden Theaters. They are working hard to get Spinnaker and Stew Leonard’s on board. Baywater Properties is getting together with some of their people. There is a tentative meeting set up with the owners of Habana and Ocean Drive. He has written to Andy Rooney but has not yet received a response. There was an insert in the Chamber’s mailing to their 1,200 members; he received an offer to help from one person.
Mr. Levey suggested a small event at the Children’s Library for Stew Leonard’s children’s book. He will speak with Mr. Hempstead to facilitate this.
Mr. Siegel said that the Board has to decide it wants the rights to the opening celebration by making their reservation for an event on a particular day. Discussion took place and it was agreed that this would be on the agenda of the September meeting.
PROPOSED BOARD MANUAL AND BYLAWS REVISION
** MS. MANN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE DOCUMENT AS SUBMITTED.
** MS. WILLIAMS SECONDED.
Mr. McMullen asked why they needed to change the current bylaws. Mr. Siegel said things have changed. Mr. Levey said the new document defines the duties and responsibilities of officers and board members.
At 8 p.m., Mr. Levey left the meeting.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Siegel said that the manual would be put into a loose-leaf binder.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Kozerowitz and Mr. Siegel will not be at the June meeting.
** MS. PUGH MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MRS. D’AMATO SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Telesco
Telesco Secretarial Services
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